March is Irish American Heritage Month

NYC is full of sites that trace the history, heritage, tragedy and triumph of the Irish in NYC. Perhaps one of the less well known but most poignant is the Irish Hunger Memorial, located at North End Avenue and Vesey Street.

The design of the memorial is striking in its simplicity. Approach from the east and it appears to be a field in the Irish countryside. Walk along the perimeter and you see inscriptions that give a stirring account of some of the historical facts and the impact on the Irish population during the years of the Great Hunger.

You enter the memorial from the west side and walk through an authentic Famine-era Irish cottage. You can then proceed to walk up an ascending path that would put you in mind of walking through rugged Irish fields. Along the way you see native Irish plants as well as engraved stones, one for each of the 32 counties in Ireland.

When you reach the top, twenty-five feet above ground, you are treated to magnificent views from all sides. Look south and you can see Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Look east and you see the looming Freedom tower.

If you feel like drinking a toast to the courageous Irish men, women and children who made the treacherous crossing and then went on to make NYC their own, P.J. Clarke’s downtown outpost is very close by.

PJ Clarkes on the Hudson – 250 Vesey Street

Although somewhat incongruous, some of the most popular food spots in downtown NYC are in view of or a short walk from the Irish Hunger Memorial. Here are just a few of the varied options.

El Vez – 259 Vesey Street

Parm – 250 Vesey Street

North End Grill – 104 North Ed Avenue

Le District – 225 Brookfield Place

Hudson Eats Food Hall – Brookfield Place – 200 Vesey Street

On a completely different note, today is the anniversary of the Great Blizzard of 1888. In the days before weather forecasting, this storm caught New Yorkers by surprise, especially since the preceding day was in the 50’s. Stories abound about the crazy behavior of some New Yorkers during the storm, like people jumping out of buildings and getting stuck in two-story snow drifts (on good authority – thanks Mae!) and others attempting to walk across the partially frozen East River. So enjoy the spring weather and thank goodness we live in an era when we can say with a strong level of assurance there is no snow in our immediate future.